Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: A gas supply unit and a gas supply system that are small-sized and inexpensive. The gas supply unit is installed on operation gas conveyance pipeline and has fluid control devices communicated via flow path blocks and controlling operation gas. The gas supply unit has the first flow path block, to one side of which an inlet open/close valve included in the fluid control devices is attached, and also has the second flow path block, to one side of which a purge valve included in the fluid control devices is attached. The first flow path block and the second flow path block are layered in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the operation gas. The inlet open/close valve and the purge valve are arranged between a mass flow controller installed on the operation gas conveyance pipeline and an installation surface where the unit is installed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses and methods for stopping the flow of media within a pipeline. The pipeline generally includes one or more pipes connected end-to-end, where each of the pipes has a longitudinal axis with an annular wall. The annular wall has an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, where the inner wall surface defines an inner pipe diameter. In various embodiments, a hole is formed in the pipeline substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the annular wall and extending through the opposing pipe wall. A resilient plug is positioned within the pipeline such that it extends between the holes and is selectively expanded in a radial direction to create a seal with the inner surface of the pipe and holes to prevent flow of the media within the pipe.

Abstract: A corrugated hose pipe assembly has a corrugated pipe that is surrounded by an elastomeric high-pressure hose. The ends of the high-pressure hose are grasped and fixed by connectors. The connectors each have a pipe piece (210, 220) which is fitted with a circumferential, radially projecting stationary nipple stop (211, 221) at the axial end thereof facing the corrugated pipe. A hose nipple (310, 320), which is positively mounted on each pipe piece (210, 220), is provided with a radially protruding, circumferential hose stop (311, 321) at the end of the hose nipple (310, 320).

Abstract: A pipe insulation product including a core of insulating material and a roughly rectangular laminate. The core may include an outer surface; an inner surface; and a wall extending between the outer and inner surfaces. The laminate may include a foil or metallized polymeric film sheet layer, a scrim, a porous media sheet layer, and a polymeric film sheet layer bonded together via an adhesive. The polymeric film sheet layer may also include a closure flap that adhesively couples opposite ends of the laminate together to form a cylindrical tube with the core enclosed therein. A charge dissipator may be applied to the polymeric film sheet layer in an amount sufficient to reduce generation of a static charge on the laminate's exterior surface without affecting the closure flap's ability to adhesively couple the opposite ends of the laminate.

Abstract: A method of forming a transportable container of bulk goods begins by placing the distributing end of a hopper over the open top of a bunched bag. Bulk goods are dispensed from the distributing end of the hopper through the open top of the bag to establish a level of bulk goods in the bag. The hopper moves vertically relative to the closed base of the bag during the dispensing of bulk goods from the distributing end of the hopper to maintain vertical spacing between the distributing end of the hopper and the level of bulk goods in the bag. A hopper fill level is maintained in the hopper during the dispensing of bulk goods from the hopper. An outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag while filling the bag to form the transportable container. The outer wrap is maintained near the level of bulk goods in the bag.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device includes a drive device and a source container that can be set into the drive device, wherein a dosage-dispensing head is connected to a closure shaft which is movably constrained in the source container. The closure shaft has a coupler part configured to be coupled to and uncoupled from a drive shaft of the drive device. The source container has a first form element which is designed for form-fitting engagement with a first counterpart element formed on the drive device and serves to precisely position the coupler part in relation to the drive shaft. The source container further has a second form element which is designed for form-fitting engagement with a second counterpart element formed on the drive device and which, when in operating position, serves to precisely position the dosage-dispensing head in relation to a target container.

Abstract: A fluid exchange machine for removing used transmission fluid from a vehicle's cooling system and replacing the used fluid with fresh fluid includes a fresh fluid tank, a used fluid tank, a pump for forcing fresh fluid from the fresh fluid tank to a vehicle's cooling system, a processor for controlling a fluid exchange operation, and a display coupled to said processor for graphically representing a status of the fluid exchange operation. The display can be an LCD display or other display capable of graphical representation of the conditions and status of the fluid exchange operation.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a carcass structure having at least one carcass ply and at least one annual reinforcing structure associated with the carcass ply, a tread band made of an elastomeric material at a radially outer position with respect to the carcass structure, a belt structure interposed between the carcass structure and the tread band and a pair of axially opposite side walls on the carcass structure, wherein the tread band has i) at least one first sector, radially extending, substantially of a first elastomeric material; ii) a plurality of second sectors radially extending, positioned at axially opposite sides of the at least one first sector and substantially of a second elastomeric material; iii) at least one longitudinal groove formed in the at least one first sector and extending substantially for the entire circumferential development of the tread band, wherein the first elastomeric material has a modulus of elasticity under compression at 23° C.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire for supporting a load by working in tension comprising a generally annular inner surface, a generally annular outer ring, and an interconnected web having a plurality of web elements and comprising a plurality of generally polygonal openings. Web elements are sized, oriented and comprised of a material that facilitates buckling when subjected to a compressive load. By buckling, those elements in a deformed portion of the tire between a hub and a footprint region where the tire contacts a surface may assume a significantly reduced portion of the load, if any. This causes web elements in other portions of the interconnected web to operate in tension to support the load. Since the tire is non-pneumatic, it may be easier to maintain and may have a longer life than standard pneumatic tires since it eliminates the possibility of blowouts, flat tires, or tires operating with low air pressure.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a tread-reinforcing band made of at least one spirally wound cord, wherein the band cord consists of materially identical high-strength high-modulus organic filaments, and the band cord is formed by first twisting each of filament bunches, subjecting the first twisted bunches to a dip-and-stretch treatment, and then twisting the treated bunches together, whereby the load-elongation curve of the band cord comprises a low-modulus zone and a high-modulus zone whose boundary point is in an elongation range of from 1 to 7%, and the ratio EH/EL of a nominal elastic modulus EH of the high-modulus zone and a nominal elastic modulus EL of the low-modulus zone is in a range of from 2.0 to 10.0. Therefore, high-modulus aramid cords, PEN cords and the like can be used to reduce the tire weight.

Abstract: A sheet laminating apparatus with an instant heat control function includes a first cylindrical roller, a second cylindrical roller, a first long metal sheet, a first heat-generating case, a second long metal sheet, a second heat-generating case, a contact sensor and a controller. The first long metal sheet and the second long metal sheet are very thin and small, so that the temperature is quickly changed. By using the contact sensor to detect the surface temperature of the first cylindrical roller under control of the controller, the instant heat control function of the sheet laminating apparatus is achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining angularly oriented side planar members into an otherwise orthogonal awning frame of open ended side plane and transverse members joined by fitted right angle connectors has the angularly oriented member cut to length at end angles that provide a flush fit to the side plane members at transverse member connections and lengths of formed right angle section material, cut at the same flush fitting angles as the tubing end angle cuts, for fastening to inwardly facing surfaces of the planar and transverse members, so as to present a smooth exterior surface for supporting an awning cover.

Abstract: A vacuum die casting method according to the present invention solves the problems relating to seal performance, differential pressure, and the stability of the degree of vacuum. The method carries out the casting with a casting cavity evacuated. In the method, a molten metal is poured from a molten metal inlet of a plunger sleeve, followed by forming a vacuum chamber surrounding the inlet and an open end of the plunger sleeve located on the opposite side of the die, and an evacuation of the vacuum chamber and the cavity starts before starting an operation of a plunger tip. When the evacuation starts, the plunger tip is positioned between the open end of the plunger sleeve and the inlet so that the vacuum chamber is communicated to the inside of the plunger sleeve through the inlet.

Abstract: A feed block unit for a hot-runner feed system of a pressure die-casting machine includes a block body in which is incorporated at least one melt-conveying channel running out of the block body by way of a sprue orifice close to the gate, and a heating system, integrated into the block body, for the at least one melt-conveying channel. The feed block unit is designed as a structural unit which is insertable independently into a respective casting mold, and/or the heating system integrated therein includes at least a first heating device for supply channel heating and a second heating device, which can be controlled independently of the first heating device, for sprue channel heating. With this modular hot-runner feed system, individual temperature profiles can be predetermined and set for the respective feed block unit.

Abstract: In order to increase the endurance and lifetime of highly loaded components (6, 8, 12, 14, 24, 26, 34) of a steelworks, an electrolytically applied coating (38) is provided, having a ductile metallic base material (39), in particular nickel or a nickel alloy, with hard material particles (40), in particular boron carbide particles, incorporated in it. This measure achieves high resistance to corrosion, good thermal conductivity and at the same time high mechanical loadability.

Abstract: A plate-type heat exchanger including a plurality of stacked plates and a device for evaluating the extent to which the fluid circuit(s) have become coated in scale, whereby the evaluating device has an electrical resistor which is thermally connected to a plate located at the end of the stack while measuring the temperature in the immediate vicinity of the resistor.

Abstract: A heat exchanger placed underneath an elevated tub or shower stall or under the bathroom floor includes a flat top heat conductive plate. The top plate is fastened to a flat lower plate, having a serpentine pattern with a shallow depth embedded into the top surface. When the top plate is fastened and sealed to the lower plate, the flow of the incoming cold water is contained within the confines of the serpentine lower plate of the heat exchanger. Heat is transferred from the grey waste water falling onto the top plate to preheat the incoming cold water flowing underneath the top plate in the serpentine conduit chamber of the lower plate in contact with a bottom surface of the top plate. The cold water is thereby preheated and used as a substitute for the incoming cold water that would be normally plumbed to the discharge shower head.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a spray nozzle apparatus and method of use. The subject spray nozzle can be used to spray atomized fluid. The atomized fluid can then be incident on a heated surface such that heat is transferred from the heated surface to the atomized fluid. The subject invention also relates to a spray-cooling system and method of use. The subject spray-cooling system can incorporate a spray nozzle and a heat transfer plate. A device to be cooled, such as a laser diode, microwave amplifier, or other high power electrical device, can be placed in direct thermal contact with the heat transfer plate. The spray from the spray nozzle can then be sprayed onto the heat transfer plate. In a specific embodiment, a cellular transfer plate can be used and the spray from the spray nozzle can be sprayed into a cellular cavity or compartment, within the heat transfer plate. Heat is transferred from the heat source to the sprayed liquid via the wall of the heat transfer plate.

Abstract: A through tubing conveyed electrical submersible pumping system for use in a wellbore. The system includes a tubing string with an attached deployed drive system having a pump motor and a pump engaging receptacle, a pumping assembly insertable into the tubing deployed system, and sealing elements on both the tubing string and pumping assembly. Engaging the sealing elements while inserting the pumping assembly forms a seal. The system further includes mating latch members on the pumping assembly and the tubing string, the latch members selectively activated by engaging one another. The latch may include locking fingers disposed on the pumping system and a shoulder protruding into the tubing string; wherein inserting the pumping system into the tubing deployed system locking fingers with the shoulder for securing the pumping system to the tubing string.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of hydrocarbon production from a hydrocarbon reservoir. The method includes providing a substantially horizontal wellbore having at least one productive interval within a hydrocarbon reservoir and forming at least one non-conductive transverse fracture in the reservoir along the substantially horizontal wellbore. An injection well is also provided. A fluid is injected into the reservoir through the injection well to displace hydrocarbons within the reservoir toward a production portion of the substantially horizontal wellbore. Hydrocarbons are drained from the reservoir into at least one production interval of the substantially horizontal wellbore. Fluid production from the at least one production interval into the substantially horizontal wellbore flows through an inflow control device that can restrict the fluid flow.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations, wherein such methods rely on fracturing and/or rubblizing portions of said formations so as to enhance their fluid permeability, and wherein such methods further rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen so as to render it mobile. The present invention is also directed at systems for implementing at least some of the foregoing methods. Additionally, the present invention is also directed to methods of fracturing and/or rubblizing subsurface shale formations and to methods of chemically modifying kerogen in situ so as to render it mobile.

Abstract: A method of lowering the temperature of a subsurface formation, e.g., comprising oil shale, includes injecting a cooling fluid under pressure into a wellbore. The wellbore is completed at or below a depth of the subsurface formation, and the wellbore includes a bore formed through the subsurface formation defining a diameter. The cooling fluid comprises a slurry having particles of frozen material. The cooling fluid is circulated across the formation in order to lower the temperature of at least a portion of the formation to a point that is at or below the freezing point of water.

Abstract: A fracturing operation is done in open hole. The annular space is spanned by telescoping members that are located behind isolation valves. A given bank of telescoping members can be uncovered and the telescoping members extended to span the annular space and engage the formation in a sealing manner. Pressurized fracturing fluid can be pumped through the telescoped passages and the portion of the desired formation fractured. In a proper formation, cementing is not needed to maintain wellbore integrity. In formations that need annular space isolation, the string in a preferred embodiment can have an external material that grows to seal the annular space in lieu of a traditional cementing operation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for stimulating a wellbore. A coil tubing bottom hole assembly is disclosed which includes a jetting tool. A non-caged ball sub is coupled to the jetting tool and a ported sub is coupled to the non-caged ball sub. Additionally, a caged ball sub is coupled to the ported sub.

Abstract: A differential pressure operated blanking tool includes a Y-tool having first and second limbs connected together via a throat. A ball valve is selectively positionable to close one or other limb of the Y-tube against fluid flow. A housing has an opening in one side thereof of a size sufficient to allow the hall to pass through, and an actuator mounted on the second limb and in the housing wherein fluid flow within the tool carries the ball valve through the opening in the housing to a position where the second limb is closed against bias of the actuator. When the fluid flow is removed, the actuator operates to force the ball valve out of engagement with the second limb whereupon the ball passes through the opening in the housing towards the first limb.

Abstract: A system, including a first module (35b) configured to process fluid from a well, wherein the first module (35b) includes a processing device coupleable to a manifold (5), a first access tunnel (4b) extending through the processing device, wherein the access tunnel (4b) is configured to provide access to the manifold (5), a processing input (18a), and a processing output (19a). Further provided is a method of assembling a manifold, including coupling a processing module (35b) to a manifold (5), wherein the processing module comprises an access tunnel (4b) through the processing module (35b) that enables access to the manifold (5) while the processing module (35b) is coupled to the manifold (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing low-viscosity polymer gels by mixing a water-absorbing polymer with water, in which the viscosity is reduced by adding a chelating agent, and also to the use thereof for firefighting.

Abstract: A row planter assembly comprising: a frame; an opening disk rotatably mounted to the frame; and a gauge wheel rotatably mounted to the frame and disposed alongside, but spaced from, the opening disk so as to create a narrow gap therebetween; wherein the gauge wheel comprises at least one opening in the side wall thereof so as to permit soil to pass from the gap located between the opening disk and the gauge wheel to the region outside of the gauge wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand machine tool, in particular, a hammer drill or chisel, having a gearbox housing and a gearbox unit with a switching device. The switching device includes a switching spring and an operating unit which may be mounted in the gearbox housing with a transfer element. According to the invention, the switching spring has a housing region provided for housing the transfer element of the assembled operating unit, on assembly of the gearbox housing and the gearbox unit.

Abstract: A handgrip (1) for pneumatic machines (2) for machining surfaces, includes adjacent to one another, a delivery pipe (3) and a discharge pipe (4) for discharging the compressed air. The handgrip (1) consists of a first side cap (5) and of a second side cap (6) that are associated to enclose ergonomically the delivery pipes (3) and discharge pipes (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand tool machine with a torque limiter (2) enabling a user to set a maximum torque which is transmitted by a motor drive (4) to a tool carrier (6). According to the invention, the hand tool machine comprises an overload clutch which interrupts a power flux between the motor drive (4) and the tool carrier (6) when the transmitted torque exceeds the overload torque.

Abstract: A resilient stop assembly for an impact tool includes first and second resiliently deformable parts, and a substantially rigid part situated between the deformable parts. Each of the first and second resiliently deformable parts and the substantially rigid part comprises: first and second opposite impact surfaces, at least one peripheral surface joining the impact surfaces, and an aperture extending entirely through the part between exit openings in the impact surfaces. The first impact surface of the second resiliently deformable part is separated from the second impact surface of the first resiliently deformable part by contact of those first and second impact surfaces with the substantially rigid part.

Abstract: A rotary steerable apparatus is provided having an actuator for pushing the bit or pointing the bit that includes a shape memory alloy. An elongated form of the alloy, such as a wire or rod, is employed in a mechanism that applies force in a direction transverse to the wellbore in response to a change in length of the alloy. Temperature of the alloy is controlled to change shape and produce the desired force on pads for operating the apparatus. The apparatus may be used with downhole power generation and control electronics to steer a bit, either in response to signals from the surface or from downhole instruments.

Abstract: An activating device is mounted in a drill string to control the activation and deactivation of an enlargement tool used for enlarging a bore hole. In order to assemble the activating device, pistons are mounted in passages and spline bars, in which plates are screwed, are then slid along T-slots of the body, through apertures of the pistons. In order to deploy the pistons and cutters, pressurized drilling fluid is applied to the inner faces of the pistons. When a pre-determined pressure level is reached, screws break and the pistons move from the inward position to the outwardly deployed position.

Abstract: Earth-boring tools include wear-resistant materials disposed in at least one recess formed in an exterior surface of a body thereof. Exposed surfaces of the wear-resistant material are substantially level with exterior surfaces of the body adjacent the wear-resistant material. In some embodiments, recesses may be formed in formation-engaging surfaces of blades of earth-boring rotary tools, adjacent one or more inserts secured to bodies of earth-boring tools, or adjacent one or more cutting elements secured to bodies of earth-boring tools. Methods of forming earth-boring tools include filling one or more recesses formed in an exterior surface of a body with wear-resistant material and causing exposed surfaces of the wear-resistant material to be substantially level with the exterior surface of the body.

Abstract: Provided is an excavation tool which can firmly fix a locking pin so that the locking pin does not move even in the case of an impact during excavation and/or the locking pin being pushed out in the insertion/removal direction. The excavation tool (10) includes a tool body (20) having an attaching hole (32) and an attaching member (40). The attaching member (40) is provided with an attaching shaft (45) inserted into the attaching hole (32), and the outer peripheral surface of the attaching shaft (45) is provided with a groove (46) which crosses the extension direction of the attaching shaft (45). The tool body (40) is provided with a pin hole (33) extending in a direction crossing the extension direction of the attaching hole (32). A part of the pin hole (33) passes through the attaching hole (32). A locking pin (56), which can engage with the groove (46) of the attaching shaft (45) inserted into the attaching hole (32), is inserted into the pin hole (33).

Abstract: A vehicle including a linkage-based motion control system for varying a parameter (e.g., velocity) of the vehicle as a geometric relationship between a vehicle input (e.g., velocity control lever) and a vehicle output (e.g., drive train) is modified. In one embodiment, the control system provides a linkage that allows a fixed level of input applied to the control lever to produce a repeatable output to a variable drive unit even as the drive unit is moved relative to the control lever.

Abstract: A virtual wheel provides a leg pair as a conveyance mechanism for a land vehicle. The virtual wheel propels the vehicle across a surface using a repetitive motion of the legs that contact the ground as would a wheel, due to their geometry. Vehicle embodiments include at least two-, three-, four- and six-wheeled vehicles, both transverse and in-line. Additionally, the invention provides a bipedal walking robot. One embodiment provides a robotic mule—a payload-carrying vehicle. The invention combines the flexible mobility of bipedal vehicles with the stability and functionality of very large-wheeled vehicles. Additionally, a bimodal conveyance mechanism readily converts between walking and rolling modes.

Abstract: A device for transporting a physically impaired person includes a support frame member having electric motors secured thereto for operating rear drive wheels; a stabilizing plate for maintaining the position of the support frame member when lifting a physically impaired person, the stabilizing plate being positioned via an electric motor operating a linear actuator; and opposite lifting arms rotationally extended from the support frame member via electric motors operating linear actuators, the lifting arms ultimately placing a physically impaired person upon or removing the impaired person from an inclinable seat member secured to the support frame member.

Abstract: A drive system for a motor vehicle transmission includes a hydraulic pump including a shaft, an engine, a starter/alternator connected to the shaft, and a drive mechanism for transmitting torque from the engine to the shaft, and for amplifying torque produced by the starter/alternator and transmitting the amplified torque to the engine.

Abstract: A drive-control apparatus for an electric-drive vehicle drives and controls a vehicle driven by electric power generated from mechanical power produced by an internal combustion engine (1).

Abstract: To enable control the number of revolutions of a wheel with a new structure different from an induction motor and adjust the maximum torque rapidly and accurately. A linear drive travel system includes a metal wheel 20 having a drum rotor and a stator 30 arranged inside the metal wheel 20. The stator 30 includes a plurality of rows of electromagnets 32 arranged in the direction of rotation axis, each row being formed of a plurality of electromagnets 32 arranged along the circumference around a rotary shaft 40. A drum rotor includes a plurality of arc-shaped rotor cores 23 arranged along the circumference around the rotary shaft 40. Control means (control system 80) performs control by allowing electromagnets 32 in some rows to be a magnetization coil of the rotor core and by allowing the electromagnets 32 in other rows to be a rotation coil of the drum motor.

Abstract: A vehicle controller is mounted in a box-shaped manner beneath the floor or on the roof of a vehicle so as to supply electric power to vehicle apparatuses. The vehicle controller is configured with a plurality of functional modules; each of the functional modules has at one side thereof an interface side in which a first interface region where signal-line terminals are arranged and a second interface region where power-line terminals are arranged are separated; in each of the interface sides, the first interface region is disposed at one and the same end and the second interface region is disposed at the other and the same end.

Abstract: A cooling system for a compact vehicle such as a compact loader having an engine and an engine compartment, includes a single axial flow fan that is surrounded by a shroud and has a high pressure side and a low pressure side. Air flow generated by the fan is used for cooling components of the compact vehicle and exhausting heated air from a second shroud. Auxiliary openings are provided between the engine compartment and the shrouds to provide air flow between the engine compartment and one or both of the shrouds when the fan is rotating. The motor driving the fan is reversible.

Abstract: The driving device utilizing inertia mainly contains a battery, a motor, a flywheel, a casing, a transmission box, a casing, a generator, a rectifier, and a charger. The flywheel is mounted on a shaft and is housed in a vacuum chamber through shaft seal. The flywheel freely spins by itself after actuated by the motor. The flywheel's torque is then delivered to the transmission box which in turn delivers the torque to drive a vehicle such as automobile, vessel, plane, submarine, etc. On the other hand, the spinning flywheel drives the generator to produce electricity which is stored in the battery series-connected to the generator via the rectifier and the charger. As such, the driving device is able to power the vehicle while the surplus energy is stored in the battery for activating the motor and turning the flywheel to spin.

Abstract: A motorized tricycle comprising a frame including first, second, and third coupling members, two rear wheels, and a rear wheels mounting structure comprising side pieces on either side; cross pieces interconnecting the side pieces; two forward cylindrical first joints; two seats each projecting upward from the topmost side piece and comprising a top second joint and a bottom first threaded hole; two second threaded holes each disposed on a section between the first and second joints of the same side; two inverted L-shaped reinforcement plates comprising a hollow boss projecting inward from a bending point, and first and second through holes at both ends respectively; two sleeves each put on the first joint; two cylinders each disposed in the second joint; and screws for securing the reinforcement plate, the rear wheels mounting structure, and the frame together.

Abstract: There is provided a saddle-riding type small vehicle where a power unit is mounted on a vehicle body frame. The power unit includes a valve control device that controls the operation of valve-operation mode changing mechanisms capable of changing operation modes of engine valves, and a clutch control device that controls the operation of a clutch unit provided between a crankshaft and a shift mechanism so as to shift the connection/disconnection of power transmission. In the vehicle, the valve control device and the clutch control device are disposed to balance the center of gravity, so as to make a power unit compact. A valve control device and a clutch control device are disposed on left and right sides of a center line CB of a vehicle in a width direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a hood airbag device for use in a vehicle, left and right bag-expansion openings are formed at the rear end portion of the outer hood panel in a hood width direction, and the deployment positions of corresponding left and right airbags are controlled or restrained by the bag-expansion openings, respectively. Further, the hood-center side ends (60L?) of the left air bag (60L) and the hood-center side ends (60R?) of the right air bag (60R) are adapted to press against each other when they are deployed. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the airbags from being raised up by a wind pressure or the like and to quickly deploy the airbags over a broad extent.

Abstract: An antitheft system and method for construction equipment is disclosed. The antitheft system and method can prevent the construction equipment from driving if a driver gets out of a cabin in the state in which an ignition is turned on so as to preheat a heater or engine or in a case where a driving unit is not manipulated during a predetermined period.